Sherman's Travel

Winter time can prove to be an even bigger headache than usual for air travel. Blustering winds and pesky snowstorms regularly clog major air-hubs from New York City to Chicago (and everywhere in between), causing frustrating flight delays and cancellations. Spare yourself the stress of lengthy, invasive security procedures, and unreliable service by taking the train for your next getaway.

Fares for many of North America’s regional train lines are available for less this season. Here’s some of our favorite deals on rails.

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J.D. Power and Associates, a global marketing information services company, published its 2010 North America Airline Satisfaction Study last week, revealing that for the first time in 3 years, customer satisfaction with North American airlines has actually increased. Yes, this may come as a surprise given the seemingly constant complaints from passengers about extra fees, poor service, and airport delays, but it seems to us that travelers have finally had time to come to terms with the barrage of new á la carte fees introduced back in 2008, and are even learning to appreciate their benefits (namely, less lost and delayed luggage due to fewer checked bags, and the lower bottom line on airfare ticket costs thanks to “unbundled” fare pricing). Read more

Most of us have wondered what it would be like to travel for more than the standard two-week block of vacation time typically allotted each year. I know I still wish I had taken a few months after college to gallivant around Europe. Well, if you’ve ever wished you had the means or the moxie to spend a year abroad traveling, you should enter Hyatt Hotels Big Welcome Contest which will award three winners (one per region in North America, Europe and Asia) 365 free nights at any Hyatt Hotels worldwide and 1 million frequent flyer miles to help get you to your chosen destinations; both valid through June 30, 2014. So whether you just want to live the hotel life for a year or host a big destination wedding or event, why not do it with Hyatt for free. To enter the contest, enter your Hyatt Gold Passport number or enroll in the program and submit a 250-word essay answering the question: How would you spend 365 free nights at Hyatt to create an unforgettable experience? You can also send a video or audio photo to compliment your essay. Entries must be submitted by May 13, 2009, with the final grand prize winners announced on or around June 12, 2009. For more information and to enter click here.

The winner of the Big Welcome content was announced in June: Bill Jolly took the prize with his video entry. See it here.